Overview
Qatar is a country in Asia according to extrareference. The times of the stereotypically rich Gulf state – hastily erected skyscrapers, chaotic streets and artificially kitschy big city backdrops – are over in Qatar, at least in its capital. Doha has blossomed into a confident, elegant free port that offers serious competition to the United Arab Emirates. Qatar is located on an island in the Persian Gulf, surrounded by oil fields. Its per capita income is one of the highest in the world and is impressively reflected in prestigious buildings such as the Museum of Islamic Art, the largest of its kind. With around 50% of the population living in Doha, Qatar is essentially a city-state. Those who want to look around not only in, but also outside the capital can use a number of beaches for rest and relaxation or visit the impressive dunes of Khor al-Adaid. The World Cup will be held in Doha from November 21 to December 18, 2022, which is why the capacity of Hamad International Airport was expanded, among other things.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
The national airline Qatar Airways (QR) flies non-stop to Doha from Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Berlin, Zurich and Vienna, among others; Turkish Airlines (TK) and Pegasus Airlines (H9) via Istanbul.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Doha: 6 hours; Munich – Doha: 5 hours 40 minutes; Berlin – Doha: 5 hours 55 minutes; Zurich – Doha: 5 hrs 45 mins; Vienna – Doha: 5 hrs 15 mins
Departure fee
none
Arrival by car
The borders to Saudi Arabia are closed; there is therefore no possibility of reaching the neighboring countries by land. Tolls: There are no toll roads in Qatar. Documents: The national driver’s license is recognized for up to 7 days. The international driver’s license is valid for up to 6 months, although it is not possible to rent a rental car with it. For stays longer than 7 days, a Qatari driver’s license must be applied for on presentation of the national driver’s license at the Traffic Department of Qatar.
Arrival by ship
The largest international ports are Doha and Umm Said.
Cruise ships
Hapag Lloyd Cruises also call at Doha on their world cruise that starts in Hamburg. MSC Cruises and Phoenix offer cruises from other European ports with a stopover in Doha.
Transportation
Traveling by car/bus
The road network has a length of almost 10,000 kilometers and is well developed. Tolls: There are no toll roads in Qatar. Petrol stations: There are enough petrol stations in inhabited areas. Payment is in cash; Credit cards are not accepted.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
The roads are often difficult to drive on during the rainy season.
Road classification
Highways in Qatar are identified by numbers.
Car rental
Car hire is available from local and international car hire companies at the airport and through hotels. Drivers must be at least 21 years old (may vary by vehicle category) and have held a driver’s license for at least one year.
Taxi
Taxis are owned by the state-owned company Mowasalat, which operates the taxi business under the Karwa name. Taxis are readily available everywhere.
Coach
Modern, air-conditioned buses from Mowasalat connect most places in Qatar.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – right-hand traffic; – seatbelt obligation; – Children under the age of 10 may only be transported in the back seat; – alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰; – Telephoning while driving is only permitted with a hands-free device. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – on rural roads: 80 km/h; – on motorways: 120 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; for vehicle damage: Tel. +49 (89) 22 22 22, for illness: +49 (89) 76 76 76. The partner club of the ADAC in Qatar is the Qatar Automobile and Touring Club (QATC) in Doha, Tel. +974 4 41 32 65.
Documentation
The national driving license is recognized for up to 7 days. The international driver’s license is valid for up to 6 months, although it is not possible to rent a rental car with it. For stays longer than 7 days, a Qatari driver’s license must be applied for on presentation of the national driver’s license at the Traffic Department of Qatar.
Note on travel by road
Tourists should only travel into the desert and into areas that are difficult to access, especially in the north and west of Qatar, with the help of a local tour operator or local acquaintances and always with several vehicles and taking plenty of petrol and drinking water supplies with them.
Traveling in the city
Doha has a good bus network, with modern, clean and air-conditioned buses. City tours by bus are also offered.